Will the car starter dry out after getting wet?
3 Answers
The starter will dry out after getting wet. However, the engine may be affected. Generally, water from car washing doesn't cause major issues. After running the engine a few times and it heats up, the water will dry out. Here are some additional precautions: If you accidentally encounter water immersion while driving, you should immediately turn off the engine. If the engine stalls in water, do not attempt to restart it. Water entering the cylinder lacks lubricating properties, and restarting the engine can cause severe wear to engine components like pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to complete engine failure. The correct approach is to push the vehicle out of the deep water area, ensure the engine intake won't inhale more water, park in a safe location, or call a tow truck to take it to a repair shop for servicing.
The starter motor definitely won't dry out on its own after water ingress, and this issue is far more serious than it appears. The starter contains various metal components and electronic parts - once water penetrates, it's like soaking metal in water, leading to corrosion or even short circuits. During my experience in auto repair, I've frequently encountered cases where starters rusted solid or had electrical failures after water exposure. Water can't completely evaporate because starter housings aren't perfectly sealed, and residual moisture will gradually damage the coils and brushes. If you notice starting difficulties after water exposure, get professional inspection immediately - don't count on natural drying, or you might end up with a completely ruined starting system. Regular checks of starter sealing and avoiding deep water driving can effectively prevent such problems.
Water entering the starter is really a headache, as the water won't drain out on its own. The starter contains electromagnetic coils and brushes, and water ingress can easily cause short circuits or rusting of components. If left untreated for a long time, the situation will worsen. When my car was flooded, the starter was damaged. Initially, I thought it was a minor issue that could be resolved by drying, but upon disassembly, I found that the water had oxidized the contacts. It's advisable to stop using the vehicle, remove the starter, and place it in a ventilated area for a few days to aid drying. However, it's safer to have a professional technician inspect it with instruments. When driving through water, proceed slowly to reduce the risk of splashing. These small details are crucial in the prevention process.
